During the oil and gas processing, there are several work conditions that pose significant challenges. Working in confined spaces, on slippery surfaces, coming into contact with hazardous chemicals (including gases), and operating various types of machinery can all result in safety and occupational health risks for workers.

Worker safety is always a top priority for Bitexco Energy. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, and clients throughout the oil and gas processing. Whether performing daily tasks or repairing faulty equipment, cleaning pipelines or tanks, hydraulic spraying, or metal welding, workers must use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety.

Protecting against inhaling hazardous gases

Workers in oil refineries may be exposed to various gases daily during their work, leading to fatalities if they inhale toxic gases depending on their concentration. Moreover, for those working in confined spaces such as tanks or pipelines, the risk of exposure to toxic gases increases significantly due to poor ventilation systems.

Depending on the work environment, gas mask respirators or supplied-air respirators may be used to prevent inhaling toxic gases and fumes. Additionally, respiratory protective equipment must always be combined with fixed and portable gas detection devices to alert workers when dangerous gases are present so they can evacuate unsafe environments promptly. By integrating these technologies, workers can detect hazards in a timely manner and ultimately protect their lives, allowing them to return home safely after each shift.

Protection against falls from heights

In oil-related activities, workers may face situations where they could fall as they need to access equipment or perform repairs at heights above the ground. In fact, falling from heights is always one of the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths related to work. Whether working in upstream, midstream, or downstream segments, there may be hundreds or even thousands of ladders at a single site, so workers must understand the basic principles of personal fall protection systems.

A fall protection system typically consists of three main parts: anchorage points, body support, and connectors. Each of these parts is crucial in helping protect workers at heights, and if any part is missing, the system cannot function.

Anchorage points are securely attached points of horizontal or vertical lifelines, tie-off points, and other devices used to support workers in case of a fall. Full-body harnesses are essential to protect the body. After determining which type of harness to use, factors such as lightweight and breathable materials should be considered to facilitate climbing and reduce the risk of muscle fatigue. Finally, connectors are the attachment pieces that connect the worker’s harness to anchorage points to allow the entire system to function together and provide protection in the event of a fall. Connectors may include shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, personal fall limiters, and rope grab hooks.

Protection against “hot work” hazards

In tasks such as maintenance, repair, and installation of new equipment, workers in oilfield sites often engage in “hot work” activities, such as welding, cutting, soldering, or brazing; oilfield workers need to be equipped with appropriate head, eye, face, and respiratory protection to avoid sparks, flying debris, ultraviolet rays, and smoke. To best protect workers, safety managers should consider using welding helmets combined with powered air-purifying respirators to protect workers from the neck up. The hands of workers are also at high risk when working at high temperatures, so always use heat-resistant gloves to protect the hands and fingers of workers from burns and exposure to high temperatures.

An important point to note is that for hot work activities at oilfield sites in particular, workers dealing with these activities may face fire and explosion hazards due to igniting flammable gases. Companies and contractors must always inspect the work area before work begins and may require permits to ensure the work area is cleared to perform hot work safely.

The various hazards in the workplace for oilfield workers are diverse, and risks can increase as daily work continues, transitions to inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, or installation of new equipment. However, using personal protective equipment (PPE) remains the safest safety measure for oilfield workers due to its ease of deployment, ease of use, durability, and reliability.